IU East celebrates Spirit of Philanthropy

Indiana University East welcomes community supporters to the Spirit of Philanthropy Luncheon to thank these individuals for their contributions to scholarships, internships, leadership experiences and community service opportunities for students. The luncheon is from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, November 14, at Forest Hills Country Club in Richmond.

The event raises funds for scholarships and other community involvement activities that provide important experiential learning opportunities for students.

The keynote speaker is Doc Hendley, author of Wine to Water, and IU East’s “One Book, Many Voices” project featured book this year. Hendley is also speaking at IU East at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, November 13, in Vivian Auditorium.

Stephanie Hays-Mussoni, director of Gift Development, said community supporters are instrumental to the overall educational experience and success of IU East students.

“The Spirit of Philanthropy is an event that recognizes those who provide support for our much needed scholarship recipients, and it is a time to bring them together with IU East students to demonstrate the importance of serving the community and giving back in multiple ways to make this a great place to live, work and play,” Hays-Mussoni said. “It also serves as a catalyst for our students to see the importance of building a network in the community to improve themselves and the place they live.”

Hendley’s visit to Richmond is the featured event of the “One Book, Many Voices” project at IU East. The mission of the project is to foster a campus and community discussion about themes in and ideas inspired by the selected text, Wine to Water. The book is about “how one man saved himself while trying to save the world.” A bartender from North Carolina, Hendley became aware of the global water crisis and decided that he needed to and could do something about it.

Hendley mobilized his network of colleagues, family, and friends and began fundraising in order to contribute aid towards this cause, traveled to Darfur, entered some of the most dangerous areas in the region with little training or support, and started the work that led to the emergence of his non-profit organization, Wine to Water. The book tells the story of this journey and emphasizes how one individual, who possesses the willingness to act, can have a profound impact on the world.

The cost to attend the luncheon is $50 per ticket. To RSVP or for information on sponsorship opportunities, contact Stephanie Hays-Mussoni, director of Gift Development, at (765) 973-8331 or email shaysmus@iue.edu.